I love credit cards so much!

[elgerber]

Guys...my week has not gotten better. After my basement flood...and my 3 trips to different Home Depots to purchase a sump pump (they sold me a broken one twice...can’t remember if I shared that sorry of wasting 6+ hours)...Tonight takes the cake...

Apparently the Fairfield Inn I was staying at tonight had a glitch where when I checked in on the App it only transferred my name and email but not my phone # or credit card. They sent me an email at 8:30 giving me 30 minutes to respond or they would cancel my room. When I showed up at 9:30...it was cancelled. They DID NOT cancel the room in my wife’s name because she didn’t check in via the app. (That room was for my sister in laws family).

I can’t even begin to type what occurred over the next hour in that lobby...but I can tell you that they DID NOT provide me (a gold elite member with 1.3million pts) a room tonight. The GM spoke to me on the phone and didn’t even apologize...after prodding they found me a room at a “Quality” Inn about 20 miles away (yes it is “Quality” for a reason ). He then told me it was my responsibility to pay for it. I’ll have to provide some addition commentary later on some of the more hilarious portions of this exchange (including the GM saying to me on the phone “I work a 9-5 just like you”...). Also we were told to grab anything from the snack shop by the person at the desk so me and the kids grabbed about $100 worth of stuff LOL! There’s more but it’s late...

I placed a long call to Marriott tonight. I got my free night cert back (good for a year from today) Plus 25,000 points.

The best part is we are going to drive back to the Fairfield tomorrow for breakfast to meet up with sis in law. WOW...Just WOW...what a night, what a week!

Just wow!!!!!!!!!!

 

[trenty]

Not sure if i should have started a new thread to ask this, but we’ll give it a try here...
We are credit card debt free, have long time Master Card we’ll charge eBay/amazon purchases on but pay it off monthly.

I JUST got the Disney $200 GC & no annual fee card offer in the mail...think I might just open that just for the GC.

After reading parts of this thread, I think we are missing out on free things!
What’s “the best card for freebies? We aren’t big fliers, but do like to travel.

TIA

I like the versatility of Chase UR and Amex MR. I started with the Chase Sapphire Preferred which gives a 50,000 UR point bonus after minimum spend. That has a $95 annual fee. I also have the Chase Freedom Unlimited. There is no annual fee on that, and by itself rewards are not the best. But I transfer points earned to my CSP for a better return. The CFU has rotating 5x categories.
I have had the Amex Everyday card since 1988 (I think). Amex MR points are not as versatile as Chase UR but give me other redemption options.
My most recent card is the Discover It which gives me cash back that can be used for anything. Currently using my cash back to get Disney gift cards from the grocery store as that is the 5x category until the end of June.

Edit- if after you do your research you decide you want chase products in combination with other products, GET CHASE PRODUCTS FIRST because of the 5/24 rule.

 

[Lain]

Also try to read back as much of this thread as possible. The veterans here give very helpful advice. Some pages back
@Lain gave excellent advice about being choosing cards for the vacation(s) you are planning. Wish i read that FIRST.

Haha. I don’t remember that one. Was it the post where I listed what card I use for almost every one of my different expenses?

That list was very UR (“Ultimate Rewards”) heavy, but it just goes to show how awesome of a product lineup that Chase has built; how beyond the big signup bonuses, Chase offers different cards that will earn you ongoing bonuses on spend for almost every kind of expense.

For those who are new to “chasing” credit card rewards, Chase is a clear favorite in this thread because of the variety of their products, the big signup bonuses that come with them, the relative ease of earning their UR points, the ease of understanding the rewards program, the ease of redeeming UR points for cash or travel, or transfer points for points/miles to hotel and airline travel partners’ programs.

And because Chase has its 5/24 rule, which denies their most rewarding credit cards to you if your credit report shows you opened 5 or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months, it’s always a good strategy to go for those Chase cards first.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

​

There are some great Hilton Honors bonus points offers on Amex Hilton credit cards right now, which expire on 6/27/18. But don’t rush out to apply right away, because we’d probably want to get a better idea of your credit profile before applying, and familiarize you with Amex’s rules for credit card approval. I’ll follow up with more details when I get a chance later today.

P.S. @disneymagicgirl is pretty familiar with Hilton hotels, so she might be able to help with some ideas.

I only have the Hilton biz for DH that we just got. It has a 125k sign up bonus right now which is great. Plus it doesn’t count towards your personal credit. I am going to open one for myself too, next week. Remember when booking with Hilton points your 5th night is free. So you can make a fake ressie to see how many points you’d need for 4 nights to get an idea.

 

[jujubiee4]

@Lain

I don't remember but wish i bookmarked and copied to my notepad. I remember reading and thinking it was the best advice ever as
I chased bonuses that i really didn't need for upcoming trips . I "created" trips from the new credit cards instead of the other way around.
However i do have the next 2 years set for trips so I thank you and everyone else who contributes to this thread. If it wasn't for you all
I would still be planning on how to get a Disney trip cheaper every year.

 

[Lain]

I don't remember but wish i bookmarked and copied to my notepad. I remember reading and thinking it was the best advice ever as
I chased bonuses that i really didn't need for upcoming trips . I "created" trips from the new credit cards instead of the other way around.
However i do have the next 2 years set for trips so I thank you and everyone else who contributes to this thread. If it wasn't for you all
I would still be planning on how to get a Disney trip cheaper every year.

Was it when @calypso726 and I were building flights to Japan for @Haley R ?

 

[Calfan]

Who here is working on 2020 or further vacations? I have next year set.. 2020 tentatively
and looking at 2021.

I don't think i will be opening up any new CC's. Just some old fashion saving and budget cutting.
(of course if some amazing offer comes ...all bets are off lol)

Me! I’m definitely hoarding URs and United miles for our booked 2019 and 2020 trips. 2019 is Botswana, and 2020 is Japan. We’ve had a deposit down on our 2020 Japan trip since 2017, lol, because Thomson Family Adventures locked in 2017 pricing for us for our 2020 trip. Looking at their 2019 prices, that is saving us something like $1k per person. We *really* want to do at least business class for both of those long sets of flights, so it is going to take A LOT of UR and miles. I’m pretty good for the Africa flights which I can start booking next month, but will need to get creative on replenishing for Japan. Nothing locked in for 2021 yet, but a couple of options *penciled* in. And 2022 we’re looking at a small-ship trip around Scotland for my DS’s 18th bday trip. (Japan is for DD’s 18th bday.)

 

[jujubiee4]

Me! I’m definitely hoarding URs and United miles for our booked 2019 and 2020 trips. 2019 is Botswana, and 2020 is Japan. We’ve had a deposit down on our 2020 Japan trip since 2017, lol, because Thomson Family Adventures locked in 2017 pricing for us for our 2020 trip. Looking at their 2019 prices, that is saving us something like $1k per person. We *really* want to do at least business class for both of those long sets of flights, so it is going to take A LOT of UR and miles. I’m pretty good for the Africa flights which I can start booking next month, but will need to get creative on replenishing for Japan. Nothing locked in for 2021 yet, but a couple of options *penciled* in. And 2022 we’re looking at a small-ship trip around Scotland for my DS’s 18th bday trip. (Japan is for DD’s 18th bday.)

This sounds exciting! I see several people making trips to Japan in the future. What is going on over there? What is Thomson
family Adventures? Was it cheaper going through them than planning with points/miles. I would love to go to Japan but around family members they want Paris/Spain first.

 

[Lain]

This sounds exciting! I see several people making trips to Japan in the future. What is going on over there? What is Thomson
family Adventures? Was it cheaper going through them than planning with points/miles. I would love to go to Japan but around family members they want Paris/Spain first.

Well, I can think of one thing... The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo!

 

[MEM]

​

There are some great Hilton Honors bonus points offers on Amex Hilton credit cards right now, which expire on 6/27/18. But don’t rush out to apply right away, because we’d probably want to get a better idea of your credit profile before applying, and familiarize you with Amex’s rules for credit card approval. I’ll follow up with more details when I get a chance later today.

P.S. @disneymagicgirl is pretty familiar with Hilton hotels, so she might be able to help with some ideas.

Thanks! I haven't applied for a credit card in over a year, if that is what you mean? I currently have four Chase cards - 2 SW, 1 Disney and 1 Sapphire. I'm looking at the Amex Hilton card with no fee and 75,000 point sign-up bonus but one night at Hilton Tokyo Bay is 117,000 points so probably not the best deal for us - even though I travel for work, sometimes, we have to use the University's travel card not any of our own.

 

[jujubiee4]

Was it when @calypso726 and I were building flights to Japan for @Haley R ?

Maybe? I honestly can't remember but it could be

 

[GZanta77]

How did you like Spain? I really have no desire to go but the kid that never asks for ANYTHING asks if we can visit one day. I was pricing
out flights to Costa Rica and going to Spain would have been cheaper..go figure

I hear you on the Costa Rica flights - was tentatively thinking about Spring Break next year, but flights might be prohibitive.

 

[elgerber]

Argh. Totally off topic but my son just put on offer in on his first home (condo). The market here is insane and stressful and we are waiting to see if they accept his full price offer or hold out for more money!! Ok just had to vent while we wait, since I can’t mention it anywhere else . And his credit is excellent thanks to his credit card history

 

[tink1970]

Who here is working on 2020 or further vacations? I have next year set.. 2020 tentatively
and looking at 2021.

Me! Me! I keep going back and forth though so haven't nailed down anything..yet. More than likely Europe (again-but hopefully Iceland/Baltics) in 2020 then Australia/NZ in 2021. DH is likely semi retiring after 2019 so we'll have more time for longer cruises/tours.

How did you like Spain? I really have no desire to go but the kid that never asks for ANYTHING asks if we can visit one day. I was pricing
out flights to Costa Rica and going to Spain would have been cheaper..go figure

LOL! I feel that way about Asia (been there, done that, don't need to ever return.Ever.) We did the Dover to Barcelona cruise last year so DH and parents got off in Cadiz, which they were "meh" about. We all really liked Barcelona...shocking that we agreed on something, but a major reason DH and I are returning. DD just returned from 2 weeks in Spain-Alicante, Madrid, Cordova and loved loved loved it. My DD rarely asks for anything so when she does, I do my best to fulfill her wishes, so I understand.

Specifically, DH and I loved the Ritz (because how can you not like it?). We also enjoyed the beach (near the Ritz) but also touring Gaudi architecture (La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and other buildings). There is just so much history, good shopping, food, etc to take in! This year we're going to head up to Monserrat to explore that.

I would love to go to Japan but around family members they want Paris/Spain first.

If you delay Japan that can give you more time to save points/miles. The flight to Europe is long but I've done it in economy, economy premium, and business all fine. The flight to Japan is so much longer and really ideally done in business/first.

 

[afan]

If you delay Japan that can give you more time to save points/miles. The flight to Europe is long but I've done it in economy, economy premium, and business all fine. The flight to Japan is so much longer and really ideally done in business/first.

Not sure where @jujubiee4 is, I can't keep track of everyone like some on here But it's about the same or a little shorter for me to get to Japan than it is to get to Paris. Better to go from the west coast up through Iceland, at least for me, since it shorted the trip vs going through JFT etc. I think it's easier to break up a trip to Asia with a stop somewhere on the west coast for a day or two as well, whether it's DLR, SF or Seattle. Or even up through Vancouver.

 

[Albort]

Me! I’m definitely hoarding URs and United miles for our booked 2019 and 2020 trips. 2019 is Botswana, and 2020 is Japan. We’ve had a deposit down on our 2020 Japan trip since 2017, lol, because Thomson Family Adventures locked in 2017 pricing for us for our 2020 trip. Looking at their 2019 prices, that is saving us something like $1k per person. We *really* want to do at least business class for both of those long sets of flights, so it is going to take A LOT of UR and miles. I’m pretty good for the Africa flights which I can start booking next month, but will need to get creative on replenishing for Japan. Nothing locked in for 2021 yet, but a couple of options *penciled* in. And 2022 we’re looking at a small-ship trip around Scotland for my DS’s 18th bday trip. (Japan is for DD’s 18th bday.)

you should look into Virgin Atlantic Miles on ANA metal. its 90k from West Coast RT in Biz. 120k in first.

 

[amalone1013]

Thanks! I haven't applied for a credit card in over a year, if that is what you mean? I currently have four Chase cards - 2 SW, 1 Disney and 1 Sapphire. I'm looking at the Amex Hilton card with no fee and 75,000 point sign-up bonus but one night at Hilton Tokyo Bay is 117,000 points so probably not the best deal for us - even though I travel for work, sometimes, we have to use the University's travel card not any of our own.

What will be the most helpful is if you can list the month and year each card was opened. If you don't remember or aren't sure, Credit Karma will have that info for you. This will help the experts here make the best recommendations! They are amazing

 

[Limes96]

What will be the most helpful is if you can list the month and year each card was opened. If you don't remember or aren't sure, Credit Karma will have that info for you. This will help the experts here make the best recommendations! They are amazing

That Credit Karma site is amazing. It was so interesting looking through my info. I can see myself making a spreadsheet out of the data.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Who here is working on 2020 or further vacations? I have next year set.. 2020 tentatively
and looking at 2021.

I don't think i will be opening up any new CC's. Just some old fashion saving and budget cutting.
(of course if some amazing offer comes ...all bets are off lol)

Nothing specifically planned yet. Thinking of Australia in fall 2019 is what brought me to this thread, though it looks like it'll take me longer than that to get all the miles/points together. Only dh and I will be going on future trips (the college-aged and young adult "kids" join us in at WDW w DVC) which would ideally be one domestic (National Parks, extended family in the west) and one international a year. We're thinking about a Med cruise, some train travel in Europe, wandering around the UK, Japan, the South Pacific, visiting friends in Xiamen China---pretty much anywhere and everywhere

I did find out that my son's grad school tuition can be paid with a credit card *with no fee*! This will be about $20,000 of free credit card points next year. I have no idea how to handle this! Obviously sign-up bonuses would be the best route (since the best I could do is 2% back on an existing card). I need to research those really high MSR cards that I otherwise would avoid.

Wow, that's great! I believe the cc fee for youngest's uni is 2.5%

 

[amalone1013]

That Credit Karma site is amazing. It was so interesting looking through my info. I can see myself making a spreadsheet out of the data.

Many of us love spreadsheets around here...